Winter engagement session at French's Point in Stockton Springs, Maine

French's Point recently ran a Facebook sweepstakes offering four engaged couples the chance to win a weekend getaway at their cozy farm accommodations, cocktails on the patio (with heaters and blankets!), a lobster dinner, and the next day, an engagement session! Our whole team was supposed to go, but sidelined by a snowstorm decided it was best if just J made the trip. Each couple rotated through 30 minute time blocks and we love what he came up with. French's Point is offering the same contest again this weekend, so be sure to like their page on Facebook.

What J had to say:
Each of the ladies had a make-up session and then I started with each couple taking natural light portraits in front of the windows to get everyone a little used to being photographed. It was terrific light! Since it was 25 degrees and snowing outside, we went out couple by couple and posed under some covered overhangs for some cuddly, intimate images to start. What was great was that all four couples were very adventurous and not at all afraid of the cold, so we explored the property more than I would have thought given the weather! We used some of the signature French's Point landmarks including the gazebo, but because of the weather (a whiteout!) I searched for spots with more definition in the background as well. To engage the engagees, I offered some direction and silly prompts as needed early in each session. I find when I'm a little goofy couples tend to loosen up and relax with each other. It's not easy being photographed! When things are more light hearted, they tend to (almost) forget the camera is there. By starting with some close proximity poses and then moving further back, each of the couple's personalities really came out. Like most couples who may be hesitant to be photographed at first, everyone was a ham by the end! Congratulations, everyone!